The homeless observance begins today at 4 p.m. with a candlelight procession to Monument Square.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) _ The Winter Solstice will mark a vigil in Portland to remember the homeless people who have died.

Friday's solstice brings the shortest day and longest night of the year. The homeless observance begins at 4 p.m. with a candlelight procession to Monument Square joined by people who are homeless, have been homeless, who work to with homeless people, and those who are grateful not to be homeless.

After the procession, a ceremony in Monument Square will take place to honor homeless people who have died, featuring Mayor Michael Brennan and Homeless Voices for Justice advocate Jim Devine.